Concert raises funds for raptor center

HAWLEY — The concert to raise funds for the Milford-based Delaware Valley Raptor Center — that had a fire some weeks ago — drew in a full house of bird and music lovers at the Silk Mill historic, atmospheric Boiler Room on a very cold late February night.

Concert goers filled the candle-lit room to listen to two bands and to give their support for fixing the damage so the center can continue its work. Performing bands were: Little Sparrow from Sullivan County, N.Y. and North East Pennsylvania’s The Merrill Lynch Jazz Quartet who announced they’ve changed their name to The History of Fishes.

Little Sparrow played folk music, bluegrass and mostly 60s rock interspersed with good humored anecdotes drawing laughter from the audience. The band consists of Aldo Troiani on mandolin, banjo, guitar and vocals, Carol Smith on lead vocals and guitar, Lynn Reno on fiddle and vocals, Kurt Knuth on guitar and vocals, and Lester Wilson on bass.

The History of Fishes is a Pennsylvania based band with young players, who played funky, innovative jazz, with 14-year old Rowan Lynch strong on saxophone. The other players were Jason Merrill on guitar and vocals, Benya Barshai on guitar and piano, Shawn Caden (filling in for Bob Wilson) on bass, Joseph Granger on drums, and Stephen Faubel guest performing on piano and hand drums.

The concert included refreshments and a raffle. All prizes were donated by area businesses.

Ken and Kathleen Myett came from Sparrowbush, N.Y. Ken volunteers with the Eagle Institute at the Rio Reservoir, mainly, but also at Mongaup, Lackawaxen, and other places as needed.

“He has a love for wildlife, and I have a love for him,” quipped Kathleen about their reasons for coming. Both are artists, explaining they came because they wish to help the raptor center.

Beth and Bill Johnson came from Honesdale.

“My wife used to be a school teacher. Her class did a book about raptors once, and they raised $1,000 by selling the book,” Bill explained.

Both said they think it’s important for the Raptor Center to continue its work.

Delaware Valley Raptor Center rehabilitates and promotes conservation of birds of prey that include hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures.

“Their goals are to provide humane professional care for orphaned, ill and injured raptors so they can ultimately be returned to the wild, healthy and no longer dependent upon humans for survival,” Carlotti explained.

“It feels great to work on this project with two other wonderful organizations," she continued. "It’s also so very tremendous of these two bands to donate their time and talent to this deserving charity. I know this will be yet another example of the good things that happen when everyone works together.”

Delaware Valley Raptor Center accepts donations at dvrconline.org or 570-588-8077.

More info about concerts and performances can be found on harmonypresents.com and riverfolkconcerts.com.

The show was brought by Harmony Presents in cooperation with River Folk Concerts and The Delaware Highlands Conservancy.